Facebook created the devices with video chats in mind, and they provided them AI-powered cameras that are able to track users as they move around while talking to buddies and their families just to provide that feeling of closeness.

You can call anyone on Messenger, not just a Portal user, and this means that you’ll be able to call most people in your friend list.

Engadget reported that their Senior Editor Devindra Hardawar got the chance to see it in action in October and found that the picture on screen shifted smoothly to keep the person in the frame.

According to him, things looked even better in portrait mode, and it was almost as if the other person was in the same room as you.

Best features

Besides the AI-powered cameras, Facebook’s Portal devices also have built-in access to Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant and various security features that come in handy.

For instance, it has a camera and microphone off button, a camera lens cover and also the ability to set up a four-to-12 digit passcode.

Facebook also attempts to allay any misgivings by publishing details about the devices’ security.

It says that it will “not listen to, view or keep the contents” of Portal video calls, and hence cannot use them for advertising purposes.

Pricing

According to Engadget, The 10-inch Portal (with a 1280 x 800 screen) will set you back $199, while the 15-inch Portal+ (with a 1920 x 1080 pivoting display) will cost you $349.

The best thing is that you can get $100 off the total price if you’re buying any two of them this holiday season. This way, you will be able to gift one of the devices to a family member or a friend.

After finishing Theatrical Journalism at the Faculty of Theatre and Television in Cluj-Napoca, Rada reviewed movies, books, theatre pieces and she also wrote articles from the IT niche as a content editor for software producers. At the moment, she is working with various online advertising firms.